A Springtime Trip to the Buffalo National River
On the extreme south end of the Ozarks lies a quiet, peaceful little river called the Buffalo. It is south from Branson MO about a hour, on Hwy 65. From there you have multiple options to reach the river, outside of Harrison, Arkansas. It is one of our national treasures.
I especially like to go to the Visitor’s Center in Tyler Bend, off Hwy 65. That is where you can get your National Passport stamped, as well as found out lots of interesting information on the river.
The Buffalo Nationa River is 135 miles long, and is one of the only rivers we have left in the MO/AR area that is not changed by the addition of a dam. The river runs quietly along some of the highest bluffs in the state of Arkansas. Upon close inspection, you can see people canoeing and fly fishing, in the proper season.
Plan on taking a picnic lunch to this location. There are such beautiful spots to stop and listen to nature quietly role by. The sound of the river is inviting. Somewhere inside, it calls us back to the water. It is a spiritual place.
Even the native indians of long ago dwelt in the land. They made their homes and camps along the river, and revitalized their lives from the food and water offered by the Buffalo River. Take a look at the Indian Boxhouse while you are there. You can almost see the river’s original inhabitants still there.
Early pioneers also made their homesteads along the river. Their early communities included places like Erby and Boxley. There is still, in fact, the town of Rush, which you can visit, that was an early example of a mining town in the Ozarks.
Camping and hiking abound in this national park, that is stretched all across the length of the river, in various places. Fishing permits are also inexpensive in Arkansas, for a day or two of fishing. Find a campsite in one of the national river’s 13 campgrounds. You cannot go wrong.
The climate for Buffalo National River is typical of the Ozark region and the Mid-South. Winters can be cold with average daily temperatures between 24 and 49 degrees F. Summers can be hot with high humidity; all the better to play in the river. Temperatures range from the mid-80s to high 90s with humidity on some days in the 90% range. Spring is sometimes unsettled, with thunderstorms. Fall can present itself with a burst of color on the trees and comfortable temperatures in the 70s – 80s.
A Springtime trip to the Buffalo National River may be just the thing for your winter duldrum. To find out more information about the Buffalo National River, and all it has to offer, check out their website. I have also included a couple of snap shots here f rom my recent stop at the Buffalo River at Tyler Bend.
Happy travels, we’ll talk again soon,
Raymond C. Province,
The Celtic Ozarkian